Method for constructing a steam condenser

Abstract

An L-shaped member is used for positioning a plurality of tube support plates at predetermined spaced locations on the L-shaped member with the tube holes of the support plates aligned. The L-shaped member is portable and includes a plurality of longitudinally separated members for locating the tube support plates with a predetermined spacing between each tube support plate.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of assembling a condenser comprising the steps of (a) providing an elongated rigid L-shaped member having sets of aligned locating members at spaced locations therealong with each leg of the L-shaped member having at least one locating member of each set thereon,   (b) attaching a discrete perforated tube support plate to each set of locating members so that corresponding tube holes in the support plates are aligned,   (c) attaching a side plate to each of said tube support plates while the support plates are above the side plate and supported by said L-shaped member,   (d) supporting said condenser section by said L-shaped member from above with the side plate vertically disposed while joining said side plate to a mating side plate of another condenser section, and   (e) disconnecting said L-shaped member from said support plates after said condenser sections have been joined together.   
     
     
       2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein step (c) includes welding the tube support plates to the side plate while the side plate is horizontally disposed below the tube support plates, and using said L-shaped member to rotate said tube support plates 90° after step (b) and prior to commencement with step (c). 
     
     
       3. A method of assembling a condenser comprising the steps of: (a) providing an elongated rigid L-shaped member having sets of aligned locating members at spaced locations therealong with each leg of the L-shaped member having at least one locating member of each set thereon,   (b) constructing a condenser section on a horizontally disposed leg of said L-shaped member including attaching a discrete perforated tube support plate to each set of locating members so that corresponding tube holes in the plates are aligned,   (c) attaching a side plate to each of said tube support plates while the support plates are above the side plate and supported by said L-shaped member,   (d) supporting said condenser section from above with the side plate being aligned with a side plate on a mating condenser section, joining the side plates,   (e) inserting tubes through the aligned holes in said plates.   
     
     
       4. A method of assembling a condenser comprising the steps of: (a) providing an elongated rigid L-shaped member having sets of aligned locating members at spaced locations therealong with each leg of the L- shaped member having at least one locating member of each set theron,   (b) constructing a condenser section on a horizontally disposed portion of said L-shaped member including attaching a discrete tube support to each set of locating members so that corresponding tube guide holes in the tube supports are aligned,   (c) attaching a side plate to each of said tube supports while the tube supports are supported by said L-shaped member,   (d) supporting the thusly constructed condenser section from above while joining said side plate to a mating side plate of another condenser section, and   (e) inserting tubes through the sets of aligned guide holes.   
     
     
       5. A method in accordance with claim 4 including joining said side plates by welding the same at a location remote from the location where the condenser section was constructed, and shipping the condenser section from the location of construction to the location at which the side plates are welded.